The RC16 is an outlier on the present MotoGP grid, as it’s the solely design to not utilise a standard aluminium twin spar body and the ever-present Ohlins forks.
KTM additionally started with a ‘screamer’ engine in 2017, though it switched to a ‘large bang’ firing order that yr earlier than growing a counter-rotating crankshaft variant in the course of 2018.
But whereas KTM has copied its rivals by way of engine type, Beirer says the crew will not go so far as ditching its distinctive design of chassis and WP suspension.
“That’s not an possibility,” Beirer mentioned when requested by MotoGP.com’s Simon Crafar whether or not KTM might ever countenance switching to an aluminium chassis or totally different model of fork.
“We got here that far with our personal improvement, which is a whole bike utilizing suspension additionally [made] in our group, and tubular body.
“It’s introduced us success in each single self-discipline, so we are going to stick with this as a result of we’ve got the widest data round this materials we’re utilizing.
“There are some locations the place we do laptimes that Marc Marquez did one yr in the past.
“The complete MotoGP class is growing [like] loopy, everyone makes steps forwards. But should you advised me 5 years in the past KTM would make a machine one yr after Marquez virtually on the identical velocity, I would not consider it. But we did it.
“It means the bike has a very excessive stage, an excellent high quality. But we’re speaking about MotoGP, it is probably the most troublesome class in bike racing.
“We must succeed with what we’ve got, and we are going to do it.”
Espargaro: Remaining features will take “a variety of time”
KTM kicked off its 2019 marketing campaign in Qatar with a 12th place for Pol Espargaro and 15th for newcomer Johann Zarco, who’s making the transfer throughout from Tech 3 Yamaha.